Bristol City are making an audacious bid to sign England's World Cup goalkeeper David James. The Championship club have offered the 39-year-old a 12-month contract and are now awaiting a response. A free agent after being released by crisis club Portsmouth in the summer, James was due to fly to Glasgow on Monday for talks with Celtic manager Neil Lennon. But he pulled out at the last moment, citing family reasons. His refusal to travel to Scotland is likely to spark a stampede for his signature and Premier League champions Chelsea and West Ham United are reported to be interested in speaking to the former Watford and Liverpool keeper.
Bristol Evening Post
Bolton Wanderers defender Nicky Hunt was today considering an offer to join Bristol City. City manager Steve Coppell is quietly confident the 26-year-old former England Under-21 right-back will agree to a move to Ashton Gate before the end of this week. Available on a free transfer, Hunt and his agent met with Coppell in Bristol yesterday to discuss the terms of a possible move to the West. Hunt returned north last night and will give Coppell an answer following further discussions with Bolton, who are prepared to release him from the final year of his contract.
Bristol Evening Post
England No.1 David James could be set to snub Celtic - for Bristol City. The 39-year-old had talks yesterday with Robins boss Steve Coppell. Now the mid-table Championship side are ready to offer a 12-month free transfer deal.
The Sun
Nigel Clough is ready to battle Bristol City and Burnley for Wigan striker Jason Scotland. Derby boss Clough wants to take Trinidad & Tobago international Scotland on loan for the season at Pride Park.
Mirror
Paul Hartley last night agreed a deal to sign for Aberdeen. The former Celtic and Hearts midfielder will complete the formalities of his contract today at the Dons training base at Loughborough University. The 33-year-old was released by Bristol City yesterday and immediately travelled to meet with Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee and director of football Willie Miller.
Aberdeen Press and Journal
Former Aberdeen defender Jamie McAllister is convinced Paul Hartley will shine on his return to the SPL after hailing the 33-year-old as Bristol City's player of last season. Scotland international midfielder Hartley has been allowed to leave the Robins on a free transfer to be closer to his family in Scotland, despite having a year left on his contract. City defender McAllister lined up alongside Hartley in the Championship last season and says their loss will be Aberdeen's gain. He said: "I definitely feel he can still do a job in the SPL, the players are sorry to see him go because he was probably one of our best players last year at Bristol City. He was a great player for us last year and I'm sure he has got loads to offer at Aberdeen. I'm sure he will do very well there."
Aberdeen Press and Journal
